Meet the team
Adam Lechmere General Manager
Adam Lechmere is publishing director of Academie du Vin Library, contributing editor to Club Oenologique, and general manager of the Academie du Vin Foundation.
Formerly editor of decanter.com, which he launched in 2000, he has been writing about wine for nearly 25 years, contributing to Decanter, World of Fine Wine, Meininger’s, janeanson.com, the Guardian and other publications. He is one of the launch editors of Club Oenologique.
After leaving Exeter University with a degree in English literature he spent three years in Madrid teaching English. He returned to the UK in 1990.
Before joining the wine world he worked for the BBC, writing for and producing websites for the newly-launched BBC Online; he worked for the press agency World Entertainment News Network, for several years as a travel writer, publishing books on Mozambique, the United States and South America; he started his career in loose-leaf business publishing. He lives in London.
Richard Stoppard Chair
Richard Stoppard is a senior marketing and strategy executive with 25+ years’ international blue-chip experience across a number of sectors including: Events, CPG, Retail and Consumer Electronics. Richard has a proven track record in implementation and the delivery of outstanding results across developed and emerging markets from UK/US to China, Mexico and Brazil.
As chief strategy and marketing officer at The Conversion Group, Richard leads strategy development and sits on the boards of The Conversion Group Inc, The Conversion Group Ltd, Nexus Media Events, Le Book and Columbus Media & Events.
In addition to his roles at The Conversion Group, Richard is also the chair of the AdV Foundation and Moniker Foundation trustee boards, a non-executive director of Kathryn Sargent Bespoke Tailoring and chair of the Management Division Advisory Board at the University of Leeds Business School.
Ajit Puri Director
Ajit Puri has extensive experience working with senior executives and management teams to develop corporate strategy, lead corporate development, and guide the overall transaction process. He comes from a private equity and venture capital background, having worked in India, USA, and UK.
He currently serves on the board of The Conversion Group, The IWSC, Agency 21, and Gracie Events, amongst others. He is also a trustee of the AdV Foundation.
Ajit holds a master’s degree in accounting from Mumbai University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He is also a CFA® Charterholder.
Hermione Ireland Advisor
Hermione Ireland is managing director of Académie du Vin Library, the world’s leading dedicated wine book publisher which now includes the Classic Wine Library list. Hermione is a very experienced marketing, PR and sales professional and has worked in the UK consumer publishing industry for 30 years.
Before joining AdVL she held senior roles at Penguin, Hachette and Harper Collins. Hermione is passionate about reaching niche audiences, often with small budgets, but has also worked with large brands and budgets during her career including JK Rowling and Disneyand Lego. She chairs the UK Board of Trustees for Worldreader, a digital literacy charity.
Hermione attended Stanford’s GSB Summer Executive Program in 2013 where she studied with senior executives from a wide range of sectors and from many other countries. She also holds WSET Level 3 with Distinction and loves being part of the wine industry, particularly focusing on wine communcations.
Marc Nadeau Advisor
Marc Nadeau seamlessly integrates over 35 years of extensive experience in financial management and international business ownership with his unwavering passion for fine wines. His journey commenced in elite wine circles, where he delved into the nuances of older vintages, fostering a profound understanding that he now shares with connoisseurs, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.
As the driving force behind introducing the esteemed Academie du Vin to Canada with the late Steven Spurrier, Marc offers in-depth explanations of tasting principles, encompassing the influences of grape variety, soil, and climate.
Holding a BSc in Chemistry from McGill University and a Masters in Finance and International Business, Marc’s analytical precision extends beyond the world of wine, providing a holistic approach as an investment professional. Residing in Toronto, he skilfully balances diverse interests, including coaching fellow cancer survivors, showcasing a unique blend of judgment, expertise, and a passionate commitment to making a positive impact.